Dunford nominated for commanding general positions

Marine Lt. Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr. has been nominated to serve as commanding general of the Camp Pendleton-based 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and the Marine Corps Forces Central Command.

Dunford is currently deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations at Marine headquarters.

If confirmed by the Senate, Dunford would replace Lt. Gen. Samuel Helland, who succeeded Lt. Gen. James Mattis as commander of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in November 2007. It is unclear whether Helland, who began his military career in 1968 as an enlisted soldier, will retire or take another assignment.